2 Kings Chapter 13 · Verse 18
And he said, Take the arrows. And he took them. And he said unto the king of Israel, Smite upon the ground. And he smote thrice, and stayed.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּקָּ֑ח
And he took
H3947
וַיִּקָּ֑ח
And he took
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
2 of 13
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
הַחִצִּ֖ים
the arrows
H2671
הַחִצִּ֖ים
the arrows
Strong's:
H2671
Word #:
3 of 13
properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear
וַיִּקָּ֑ח
And he took
H3947
וַיִּקָּ֑ח
And he took
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
4 of 13
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵל֙
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
7 of 13
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וַיַּ֥ךְ
And he smote
H5221
וַיַּ֥ךְ
And he smote
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
8 of 13
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
וַיַּ֥ךְ
And he smote
H5221
וַיַּ֥ךְ
And he smote
Strong's:
H5221
Word #:
10 of 13
to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)
שָֽׁלֹשׁ
thrice
H7969
שָֽׁלֹשׁ
thrice
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
11 of 13
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 13 takes place during the declining years of the northern kingdom, 8th century BCE, culminating in exile in 722 BCE. The chapter's theme (Decline of Israel and Judah) reflects the historical reality of progressive political instability and external threats, particularly from Aram (Syria) and later Assyria. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 13 regarding god's patience with recurring apostasy?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
And he said, Take the arrows. And he took them. And he said unto the king of Israel, Smite upon the ground. And he smote thrice, and stayed.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 13: God's patience with recurring apostasy. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. This passage occurs during the decline toward Israel's exile, demonstrating how persistent covenant unfaithfulness leads to national disaster.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.